Name: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: Warm Vanilla Comfort in Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-490260H23M2S
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed white bread (approximately 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 large eggs (lightly beaten); 2 cups milk; ¼ cup raisins; ¼ cup butter (softened); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ cup brown sugar (firmly packed); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Old-fashioned bread pudding brings warmth and comfort right from your kitchen. Using soft bread, plump raisins, and a creamy custard infused with nutmeg and vanilla creates an inviting aroma as it bakes.

A drizzle of rich caramel vanilla sauce adds just the right touch to each serving. This dessert has roots in tradition while being adaptable for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a quiet night in.

Sharing this recipe connects you to cherished memories while creating new ones at the same time. Enjoying this classic will remind you why homemade treats hold such special places in our hearts.

Why Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is Timeless

Simple Ingredients: Most likely, your pantry or fridge already contains all the essentials for this recipe.
Versatile Options: Consider substituting raisins with other dried fruits or incorporating nuts to customize it to your taste.
Comforting Dessert: The warm, tender bread pudding alongside a luscious caramel sauce brings back memories of home.
Suitable for Various Occasions: This dish fits seamlessly into everything from festive celebrations to casual weeknight desserts.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing both the pudding and sauce beforehand allows you to enjoy stress-free entertaining without last-minute rushes.

Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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Main Ingredients:

Stale white bread: This absorbs the custard well, maintaining a satisfying texture without sogginess.
Eggs: Essential for giving structure to the custard and helping the pudding hold its shape.
Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy base; alternatives like 2% or half-and-half enhance richness.
Caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and cream provides an indulgent finishing touch that elevates every bite.

Flavor Enhancers & Richness Contributors:

Nutmeg: A warm spice that enhances sweetness with subtle notes.
Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates: These add delightful sweetness and chewy texture but can be adjusted according to preference.
Butter: It enriches both the pudding itself and any caramel sauce served alongside.

Directions to Craft Grandma’s Perfect Bread Pudding

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Step 1: Set The Oven Temperature

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step creates the right environment for baking.

Step 2: Mix Bread And Raisins

In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:

4 cups of cubed white bread (cut into 1-inch pieces)
¼ cup of raisins

Gently toss them together until well mixed.

Step 3: Heat The Milk And Butter

Pour into a small saucepan and warm up the following over medium heat while stirring occasionally:

2 cups of milk
¼ cup of butter

Keep an eye on it; you want the butter melted without boiling. This should take about 4–7 minutes.

Step 4: Soak The Bread Mixture

Once warmed, pour this milk and butter blend over your bread and raisin mix. Allow it to sit for around ten minutes so that the bread absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Additional Ingredients

Add these items to your soaked mixture for extra richness:

¼ cup of sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Stir everything together thoroughly until combined nicely.

Step 6: Prepare Casserole Dish

Take a casserole dish with a capacity of at least one-and-a-half quarts. Use either butter or non-stick spray to grease its interior before adding in your pudding mixture evenly across the bottom.

Step 7: Bake Until Done

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is firm and the top turns golden brown. Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

How to Make Velvety Vanilla Sauce for Bread Pudding

Step 1: Gather Sauce Components

Collect the following ingredients for your sauce:

½ cup of butter
½ cup of sugar
½ cup of packed brown sugar

Step 2: Melt and Cook Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the gathered ingredients. Place it on medium heat. Stir occasionally while cooking until you notice thickening, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream Carefully

Once the mixture has reached a boil, slowly add in heavy whipping cream (about ½ cup). Be cautious as this may cause bubbling.

Step 4: Achieve Desired Thickness

Continue stirring frequently until you reach your preferred consistency for the sauce.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancer

Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract (use approximately one tablespoon) to finish off your sauce with flavor.

Delicious Pairings for Grandma’s Bread Pudding

Cozy Dessert: Enjoy this treat alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for that comforting feeling.
Festive Presentation: Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it visually appealing during the holidays.
Rich Contrast: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness, enhancing each bite with smooth texture.

Tips for Preserving Grandma’s Bread Pudding Freshness

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Airtight containers: Store leftover pudding and sauce in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Up to 3 days: Enjoy your refrigerated leftovers within three days for the best taste and texture.
Reheat options: Use either a microwave or oven for warming up the pudding until it reaches your desired temperature.
Gently reheat caramel sauce: When reheating caramel, use low heat on the stove or microwave, ensuring it's warm without boiling.
Splash of cream: If the sauce thickens during reheating, adding a splash of cream helps restore its smooth consistency.

Creative Twists on Grandma’s Bread Pudding Recipe

Fruit Substitutes: Dried cranberries, chopped dates, and fresh apples or pears make excellent alternatives to traditional dried fruits.
Crunchy Texture: Chopped pecans or walnuts enhance the dish with added crunchiness and flavor depth.
Flavor Boost: A dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or allspice can elevate the custard's taste profile significantly.
Chocolate Variation: Incorporate chocolate chips or chunks instead of raisins for a rich, sweet touch.
Alcohol Enhancement: Mixing in a tablespoon of rum or bourbon into your caramel sauce adds an intriguing twist for grown-up palates.

Grandma’s Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Classic to Cherish

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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding stands as a reminder of how comforting desserts can be. Each bite brings back memories of warm kitchens and family gatherings, making it a perfect treat for any day.

The rich caramel vanilla sauce adds just the right touch to elevate this classic dish without overwhelming its essence. This recipe allows you to connect with your roots while satisfying that sweet craving effortlessly.

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